Mounting a plant is an artistic way of bringing nature indoors, wherein plants are displayed in decorative and aesthetic ways. These particular forms of display truly mimic some plants that grow naturally in life, thus making them living works of art and adding a touch of creativity to your house through mounted plants. It would indeed be an enjoyable and worthy yet simple project. Let's quickly proceed into how you can go about making your mounted plant.

What Are Mounted Plants?

Mounted plants are living displays where plants are attached to a piece of wood or bark, often accompanied by moss. This technique is inspired by nature, where certain plants grow on trees or rocks rather than in soil. These displays are highly suitable for epiphytic plants, which are those species that naturally acquire nutrients in air and ground litter.

To grow a potted plant, all you need is to furnish that space and replicate the environment around it. It's also a pleasant, friendly, hands-on experience, leaving you with a little low-maintenance plant to stare at and admire. Mounted plants will serve as signature pieces in your house and, are the perfect addition of greenery to small nooks or for vertical gardens.

Ideal Plants for Mounting

Epiphytic plants are the most ideal to be mounted. Epiphytic plants grow naturally on other surfaces, so this method is the best for them. Here are some options:

1. Hoya 

2. Rhipsalis

3. Monstera

4. Platycerium species, which is commonly called Staghorn Ferns

5. Bromeliads

Each one of these has different textures, shapes, and growth habits, which will give a visually beautiful effect when mounted. Their adaptability and minimum soil requirements make them perfect for creating living art displays.

Materials Needed

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Cork bark or cedar board (you can cut a cedar fencing board to size)

2. Preserved moss or sphagnum moss

3. Fishing line

4. Craft wire

5. Scissors

6. Drill

7. Your chosen plant (an epiphytic variety works best)

When choosing your materials, think about the size and weight of your plant. Large plants may need a sturdier mount, whereas smaller plants can be mounted on lightweight pieces of bark.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own mounted plant:

Prepare the Mount

  • Drill a small hole near the top of the wood piece.
  • Thread craft wire through the hole to create a hook for hanging. Twist the ends securely.

Prepare the Plant

  • Carefully take the plant out of its pot.
  • Rake off any surplus soil, but leave just enough so the roots aren't dislodged. Removing most of the soil will acclimate the plant to its new environment and minimize the risk of root rot.

Covering the Roots

Take a handful of moss and wrap it around the plant’s roots. Also, completely cover roots with moss to guarantee moisture. You can do this because moss is a good insulation and helps maintain humid conditions around the roots.

Position the Plant

Place the moss-wrapped plant on the wood. Experiment with placement until you’re happy with the look. Consider the natural growth pattern of the plant and how it will appear as it grows.

Secure the Plant

  • Cut a 3-foot length of fishing line.
  • Wrap the fishing line around the mount, securing the plant and moss to the wood. Tie a double knot to hold everything in place.
  • Continue wrapping until the plant feels stable, then tie another double knot and trim any excess line.

Hang and Display

  • Hang your mounted plant in a spot that gets bright, indirect light for at least 4 hours a day. 
  • If watered regularly and the humidity is maintained, the plant will grow beautifully.
  • Mounted plants need constant moisture to stay well.

Care of Mounted Plants

Mounted plants also need regular maintenance to stay fresh and healthy. Here are a few tips:

  • Watering: Mist the moss and plant regularly, especially if your home air is dry. Soak the whole mount in water for a few minutes once a week for plants requiring more moisture.
  • Lighting: Place your mounted plant in an area with bright indirect light. Don't place your mounted plant directly in sunshine since it can scorch the leaves and dry out the moss. 
  • Fertilizing: During the phase of active growth, you will have to use liquid fertilizer diluted in water every 4-6 weeks to give the nutrients that would promote healthy development for the plant. For this, you should know how to fertilize plants.
  • Pruning: The outcome of not pruning will be a shabby-looking plant. Also a plant that will not allow new growth.
  • Re-Mounting: A plant will grow so large that it outgrows its mount over time. Once this happens, remove it carefully, making a new mount using fresh materials.

Creative Ideas for Mounting Plants

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try experimenting with different styles and materials to create unique displays. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

  • Use Driftwood: Driftwood adds a rustic, natural touch to your mounted plants and can be found at beaches or specialty stores.
  • Create a Vertical Garden: Combine multiple mounted plants on a large board or frame to create a stunning vertical garden.
  • Add Ornamentation: Include minor embellishments, such as shells, rocks, or twine, to make your mount more personal and match your home's style.
  • Try Cutting up the Shapes: Use odd-shaped pieces of bark or wood to create interesting and creative designs.

Advantages of Mounted Plants

Mounted plants have much more to them than aesthetics. They allow bringing greenery into small spaces by hanging on walls instead of taking up floor or shelf space. These displays also give an idea of how epiphytic plants grow naturally, thus appreciating their unique adaptations better.

Mounted plants are also a great conversation starter. Your guests will be amazed by your creativity, and they might even be motivated to try mounting plants themselves.

Create Your Living Art

Once you’ve made one mounted plant, it’s hard to stop! It is a fabulous creation that gets hooked on making and puts that organic, artistic spice into a room. Mounted plants, either as a stand-alone piece or as part of a gallery wall, are just an easy way to engage with nature and display your creativity. 

With a little practice and imagination, you can transform your living space into a lush, green sanctuary covered with some of the most beautiful mounted plants. So gather your supplies, pick your favorite plant, and start creating your living art today!

How to Buy Plants From Eureka Farms?

Eureka Farms is a licensed nursery that has a vast collection of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the most extensive collection of houseplants. Whether you would like to improve the outdoor view of your curb or turn your porch into a haven by adding topiary trees and hedges, we have everything from that and much more. Our plants are guaranteed to be delivered in fresh conditions, straight to each doorstep nationwide. Our low-maintenance indoor plants improve air quality, lift your spirits, and bring a touch of nature to your home office. Happy planting!